In a press conference held in Manila, Senator Erwin Tulfo has called on the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Bureau of Immigration (BI) to temporarily suspend the deployment of overseas Filipino workers to areas affected by the escalating Israel–Iran tensions.

He wants this precaution to safeguard the country’s growing OFW population in the Middle East.

Tulfo raised the alarm at the monthly Balitaan sa Harbor View news forum organized by the Manila City Hall Reporters’ Association (MACHRA), identifying not only Iran and Israel as high-risk but pointing to neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Egypt.

“If we keep sending OFWs now, baka puwede i‑hold muna kasi delikado po 'yung ating mga kababayan (it might be better to temporarily stop because the situation is dangerous for our fellow Filipinos),” he said, suggesting that deployment might resume once a ceasefire is secured.

Aside from foreign policy concerns, Senator Tulfo pledged that his initial legislative efforts will focus on pro-poor measures, affirming he would “hit the ground running” in his new role.

He expressed gratitude for his strong voter turnout in the recent polls, promising to be a “senator for and of the people.”

He also said he plans to reach out to those who did not vote for him to understand their concerns and build trust.

Tulfo revealed that Senate President aspirants Senators Vicente Sotto III and Francis Escudero have both approached him asking for support.

He said both candidates are “proven,” but he has opted to take time before deciding whom to endorse.

He ran under the administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas alongside Sotto in the May election.